For centuries, one supremely rich, velvety wood note has reigned as the epitome of high-end fragrance luxury - sandalwood. This exquisite natural material has been coveted since ancient times for its sublime aroma and perceived spiritual, aphrodisiac properties. Derived from the wood of mature sandalwood trees that grow across the Indian subcontinent and Indonesia, genuine sandalwood oil is a labor of love to produce. The pale yellow, buttery oil must be distilled from tons of fragrant sandalwood chips and aged for many years to reach its peak richness and depth. In ancient Hindu culture, all parts of the sandalwood tree were considered sacred and highly valuable for spiritual practices, beauty rituals and even traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Demand was so high that sandalwood was once traded at rates higher than gold, often reserved exclusively for temples, maharajas and the elite classes of India.
First embraced in perfumery centuries ago, sandalwood quickly became the luxurious backbone to countless opulent Oriental, woody and chypre fragrances. Its lush, spiritually-tinged aroma embodied the exoticism of distant Eastern lands and made it the ideal accent to many classic creations. Today, sandalwood remains a staple ingredient in fragrances across all styles and genders, from sensual musks and vanilla dessert gourmands to fresh citrus eaux. But increasingly, the world's most precious perfumes feature the ultra-creamy, meditative trail of 100% genuine Indian or Hawaiian sandalwood.
Sandalwood dances along a most extraordinary scent spectrum. At its heart is a rich, dense and milky woods aroma – smooth yet musky, soft yet long-lasting and slightly sweet like warm skin. As sandalwood ages, it develops complex nuances of aromatic spice, aged saffron and deep incense. The overall effect is deeply comforting yet exquisitely alluring, akin to burying one's nose into satiny wood grains or a beloved heirloom cedar chest. Many wearers describe it as second skin or cherished cashmere wrapping – elegant, velvety and warmly sensual.
Besides fragrances, you can experience hints of sandalwood's enrapturing woody scent elsewhere, like:
- Candles and aromatic oils
- Ancient Hindu temples and ashrams
- Fine woodcrafts like furniture, sculptures and sandalwood fans
A heavenly essence steeped in rich history, spirituality and absolute indulgence, sandalwood leaves a lasting, almost haunting trail wherever it goes. So whether you prefer its presence in a swirling, spice-tinged Oriental or simply appreciate its soulful, skin-hugging woodiness on its own, surrender your senses to the timeless allure of this cherished perfume ingredient. Sandalwood's uniquely sacred warmth has entranced humankind for ages.
